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PETS AND FIREWORKS Fourth of July Festivities: Should You Bring Your Pet? As the country dons its red, white and blue to celebrate Independence Day, nothing says patriotism like a good old-fashioned barbecue with a side of fireworks. But beware pet parents, what’s fun for people can be a downright drag for our furry friends. The ASPCA recommends keeping your pooch indoors as much as possible during backyard parties and Fourth of July festivities, even if he is a pro picnicker. From toxic food and beverages to raucous guests and fireworks, the holiday weekend is a minefield of potential pet problems. “Even the most timid can leap a six-foot fence if he’s spooked by loud noises,” says Dr. Pamela Reid, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. If your shows signs of distress from fireworks or boisterous revelers, Dr. Reid suggests giving him a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter. “The consistent licking should calm his nerves,” she says. The ASPCA offers some more expert advice to keep your pet singing, “Oh Say Can You See,” all the way to the fifth and beyond: Keep your pet on the wagon. Since alcohol is potentially poisonous to pets, place all wine, beer and spirits well out of paws’ way. Avoid scraps from the grill. Stick with your pet’s normal diet–any change, even for a day, can result in stomach upset. Certain foods like onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes and raisins are especially toxic to pets. Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for the four-legged kind. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. Stay fire-smart. Keep your pet away from fireworks, matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system. Be cool near the pool. Don’t leave pets unsupervised around a pool or lake–not all dogs are expert swimmers! Also, pools aren’t large water bowls–they contain chlorine and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems. As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous from the picnic table, please contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (88  426-4435. And be sure to check out our more complete list of holiday pet care tips for a safe and happy Fourth! |
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7/2/2009 10:36 pm |
Good advice! There is going to be a lot of upset puppies and kitties on the 4th. Blessings, L  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." -Mark 12:30-31
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7/3/2009 3:44 pm |
Yes good post. I knew someone who didn't think about the dog, and he took off when they set off the fireworks. They found him run over somewhere, and were just devastated. I have one dog in particular who is terrified of loud noises. He always has been. I have to watch that he's ok when ppl start shooting off fireworks. Even tho I live pretty far from anyone else, he starts climbing the front door wanting in. Thanks for the reminder, and welcome if you are new here.   "Love is Patient..."
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7/7/2009 5:59 pm |
Thank you to those who have responded to my pets and fireworks blog. My dogs are very frightened and shake very hard. They try to hide in places half their size seeking safety. I fear they will have heart attacks. I have repetitively asked neighbors and their children to please take their festivities at a nearby park in lieu of the street and yards where we live very tightly in the city. No one seems to care about the pets at all. I find many people are very selfish, disrespectful and enjoy tormenting not only their neighbors but their pets as well. God will punish them one day! 
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